Only A Teacher Would Know

I made it through my first week back with students. It was a week of successes and failures, but it felt good to be back at it. I also look forward to participating in the Door County Ride this weekend. It’s become a yearly tradition I look forward to. There is part of me that also wants to sleep a lot.

Here’s what I’ve been up to on Why Edify this past week.

• Our community is growing.
• Motivation is something that needs to be cultivated.
• I’ve decided that teachers should kick imposter syndrome to the curb.

One thing is sure: only teachers genuinely understand the challenges and solutions inherent to their profession. What advice would you give other teachers on starting the school year successfully? I’d love to share your thoughts with our community. You can share your comments at the bottom of this newsletter.

Have a great weekend.

Jeremy

Here is this week’s Friday Five.

1

Ongoing Feedback

Providing feedback on the writing process, rather than just the final product, enhances students' self-regulation, supports multilingual learners, promotes a growth mindset, and improves the effectiveness of feedback. Key reasons include the repeating nature of writing, the evolution of writing goals, and the importance of framing feedback positively. Effective feedback encourages students to transfer their learning to future writing tasks and fosters continuous improvement in their writing skills. In this case, the journey is just as important as the destination.

2

Put Me In Coach

School leaders should actively coach and support new teachers rather than leaving them to navigate their roles alone. The power of effective mentorship cannot be overstated. It is a key element that inspires and motivates new teachers, and when combined with a focus on school culture and ongoing guidance, it becomes essential for their success. Leaders should ensure that mentoring relationships are well-matched and evolve into informal partnerships, fostering a supportive environment that promotes instructional growth and a positive classroom culture. The Ted Talk below was shared during our professional development days (Thanks, Profe'). The truth is, we can all benefit from coaching.

3

Racing Thoughts

"The next time you're lying awake at night, remember you are far from the only one whose mind is whirring – even if it seems that way. If we can change how we relate to these pesky nocturnal thoughts, we might all find it easier to ride them out." If you struggle with racing thoughts at night, these expert tips can help. One effective strategy is to practice mindfulness, focusing on your breath and allowing thoughts to pass without judgment. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book or listening to calming music, can help signal your brain that it's time to wind down.

4

Go To Bed

“Sleep is the best meditation.” – Dalai Lama

5

Teacher Commuter Playlist - Fly by Sugar Ray (It just spoke to me this week)

Choose Your Own Adventure

• What does the research on learning styles tell us?
• Would you date Dave?
• Is it time to bring back the books?